CJ condemns attempts to intimidate judiciary independence

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 9 — It was very mischievous for anyone to try to tarnish the image of the courts and bring it into disrepute through unfair, biased and oftentimes unenlightened criticism simply because they happen to not like particular decisions, said Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat.

She said constructive criticism is always welcomed, but not attempts to undermine the judiciary’s independence.

“Last year, attempts to intimidate or otherwise exert improper pressure on judges presiding over public interest cases are becoming more obvious. These attempts are a direct affront to the rule of law and judicial independence.”

“They certainly deserve condemnation and indeed many have spoken out against them in strong terms. Last year, the judiciary was the target of scurrilous attacks during the hearing of certain high-profile cases,” she said in her speech at the opening of the Legal Year 2023 here, today.

NMT as reported by Bernama